Chapter 41

 

Farmer Ken- Chapter 41

The Farm at Lane's End Chapter 41 - A very old friend

Vocabulary and Phrases

 For the life of me is another way of saying "Oh, my god"

Perish the thought means this is a terrible idea.

Plain jane - A plain jane is a boring unexciting girl.

To read is a synonym for to study.  At Oxbridge one reads not studies. Both the same meaning.

If you hit it off with someone is another way of saying you will get on well with that person. Become good friends.

 + + + +

And, now to our story -

It's 7 o'clock in the morning.  Outside it is still very cold.  A typical late April morning. Farmer Ken and Dave have just come in from milking the cows. Their is a delicious smell of sizzling bacon and eggs.   Jean, too, has been busy. The Bartons are enjoying their breakfast.

 

I say, Dave and Ken, you'll never guess who I bumped into in the village yesterday.

Who did you bump into mum?   

Well, I had just come out of the post office. and there she was.  Anne Cooper.  

Who's Anne Cooper, mum?

She was one of my best friends at school.  We really got on well together. I think I was her only friend in those days.

Why was that, mum?

Anne was not very popular.  She was always a bit of a plain jain. She never spoke much, and she never showed any interest in what was going on.

Then, why were you such good friends, mum?

Well, I knew Anne better than most people did.   My mum and Anne's mum were best friends.  And, Anne often came to play after school. In fact, Anne and I  had a lot of great fun together. At school, Anne was plain and boring. After school she was a completely different girl.

What was she like, Jean?

Anne was mainly interested in reading. We often used to talk about the books we had read. Of course, Anne read far more than I did.  And, in some ways, I think that's  why she was such a boring girl. Her world was her books.

And, what happened to Anne?

After leaving school, she went up to Oxford to read classics. And, I'm sure she did well. 

And, when was the  last time you saw her, mum?

For the life of me, Dave,  I can't remember. It must be at least 20 years.

And, when are you seeing her again, mum?   In another 20 years?

Persih the thought! That's a terrible idea. I don't want to wait that long. In fact, Anne and her husband are coming for dinner next Saturday. 

That's great, Jean. Jane actually sounds like a very intersting person. I can't wait to meet her.

And, can I invite Clair, mum?

Of course, Dave. I'm sure Clair and Anne will hit it off very well. Would anyone like another cup of tea?

Yes please, mum.  And another round of toast and marmalade, please.

And, the same for me, too, please.

You two can never stop eating.  And, guess what I'm baking this afternoon.

A chocolate cake, mum.

No, don't be silly, It's not your birthday, Dave I'm baking a cherry cake.

What a surprise.

Questions

What had Dave and Ken been doing?

What was the weather like?

What was the nice smell coming from the kitchen?

What was Jean cooking?

Who did Jean bump into in the village?

Did Jean and Anne go to school together?

Were Anne and Jean best friends?

When are Anne and her husband coming for dinner?

What did Anne read at Oxford?

Please put "perish the thought" in a sentence.

German Translation

Es ist 7 Uhr morgens.  Draußen ist es noch sehr kalt.  Ein typischer Morgen im späten April. Farmer Ken und Dave kommen gerade vom Melken der Kühe herein. Es riecht köstlich nach brutzelndem Speck und Eiern.   Auch Jean war fleißig. Die Bartons lassen sich ihr Frühstück schmecken.

Ich sage, Dave und Ken, ihr werdet nie erraten, wen ich gestern im Dorf getroffen habe.

Wen hast du getroffen, Mama?   

Nun, ich kam gerade aus dem Postamt und da war sie.  Anne Cooper.  

Wer ist Anne Cooper, Mum?

Sie war eine meiner besten Freundinnen in der Schule.  Wir haben uns wirklich gut verstanden. Ich glaube, ich war damals ihr einziger Freund.

Warum war das so, Mum?

Anne war nicht sehr beliebt.  Sie war immer ein bisschen wie ein langweilig (a plain a Sie hat nie viel geredet, und sie hat sich nie dafür interessiert, was passiert ist.

Warum wart ihr dann so gute Freunde, Mama?

Nun, ich kannte Anne besser als die meisten Leute.   Meine Mutter und Annes Mutter waren beste Freundinnen.  Und Anne kam oft nach der Schule zum Spielen. Anne und ich hatten sehr viel Spaß zusammen. In der Schule war Anne schlicht und langweilig. Nach der Schule war sie ein ganz anderes Mädchen.

Wie war sie denn so, Jean?

Anne interessierte sich vor allem für das Lesen. Wir haben uns oft über die Bücher unterhalten, die wir gelesen hatten. Natürlich hat Anne viel mehr gelesen als ich.  Und in gewisser Weise war sie deshalb ein langweiliges Mädchen. Ihre Welt waren ihre Bücher.

Und was geschah mit Anne?

Nach der Schule ging sie nach Oxford, um Literaturwissenschaft zu studieren Und ich bin sicher, sie war gut. 

Und wann hast du sie das letzte Mal gesehen, Mum?

Das weiß ich beim besten Willen nicht mehr, Dave. Es muss mindestens 20 Jahre her sein.

Und wann siehst du sie wieder, Mum?   In weiteren 20 Jahren?

Persih the thought (Gottes Willen) Das ist eine schreckliche Idee. So lange will ich nicht warten. Anne und ihr Mann kommen nächsten Samstag zum Essen. 

Das ist großartig, Jean. Anne scheint eine sehr interessante Person zu sein. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, sie kennenzulernen.

Und kann ich Clair einladen, Mama?

Natürlich, Dave. Ich bin sicher, Clair und Anne werden sich sehr gut verstehen. Möchte noch jemand eine Tasse Tee?

Ja, bitte, Mum.  Und noch eine Runde Toast mit Marmelade, bitte.

Und für mich dasselbe, bitte.

Ihr zwei könnt nie aufhören zu essen.  Und ratet mal, was ich heute Nachmittag backen werde.

Einen Schokoladenkuchen, Mutti.

Nein, sei nicht albern. Du hast nicht Geburtstag, Ken. Ich backe einen Kirschkuchen.

Was für eine Überraschung.

Fragen  - Was hatten Dave und Ken gemacht?   -  Wie war das Wetter?  - Was für ein schöner Geruch kam aus der Küche?  - Was hat Jean gekocht?  - Wen hat Jean im Dorf getroffen? - Gingen Jean und Anne zusammen zur Schule?  -  Waren Anne und Jean beste Freunde?   - Wann kommen Jane und ihr Mann zum Abendessen?  - Was hat Anne in Oxford studiert?    Bitte fügen Sie "perish the thought" in einen Satz ein. 

Chapter 40

 

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 40

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 40, Dave is telling his parents all about the party he went to the night before.

Vocabulary

The bee's knees - This is an idiom.  It means an outstanding person or thing. 

Second to none is another was of saying the best.

Don't be so cocky means don't be so over confident (arrogant).

Over the moon.  If you are over the moon you are overly (very/very) happy.

And now to our story.  The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 40

How was the party you went to last night, Dave?

I have to say, mum and dad, it was one of the best parties I've ever been to.  It was magic.  Mike and Alison did a great job. They were the perfect hosts.

Tell us more, Dave.  Spill the beans.

The food was brilliant.  Alsion made Beef Wellington. Yumie, yumie. It was the best I'd ever, ever had.  The cocktails Mike served were second to none, And the discussions we had were fantastic.

What was discussed, Dave?

Really high things, dad. Mainly philosophy, art, and books. Things you wouldn't understand, dad.

Don't be so cocky, Dave. You should never underestimate people. Life is full of surprises.  Be careful what you say. 

And, what was Claire wearing, Dave?

Claire, she was fantastic.  She was the bee's knees.  She wore a dress she had made herself.  Beautiful yellows and blues, and her bag was the one I bought her in Paris.  Claire was the most beautiful woman at the party. 

And, what did you give Alison and Mike?

We gave them a book about French gardens. 

And, did they like it?

They were over the moon!  They're  into all things French.  

And, would you be in for a nice cup of tea, Dave?

Yes please, mum. And, if you have it, a nice slice of cherry cake, too.

Questions

Why was Claire the bee's knees?   Please describe Claire's dress.  Was Claire's dress homemade?  What did Alsion serve for main course?  Was Dave happy with the cocktails?  Why did Ken tell Dave off?  Why is it bad to be cocky?  Was Claire's bag Italian?  What did Claire and Dave give Alison and Mike?  Why were Alison and Mike over the moon with Claire's and Dave's present?  Why are French gardens so beautiful?  Why are English gardens the best in world?

Chapter 39

 

Farmer Ken - Chapter 39

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 39, Ken has a bone to pick with Dave.

Vocabulary

A bone to pick . .  I have something to complain about.

to thank our lucky stars . . means to have something to be grateful about.

otherwise - in different words.

It  slipped my mind means - means I completley forgot.

All's well that ends well - everything turned out just fine.

+ + + + +

And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 39. 

Dave, I've got a bone to pick with you.

Oh no, what did I forget to do?

You promised to lock the chicken shed before you went to bed last night.  When I got up this morning, the chickens were running around the yard.  They'd been out all night.  And, we can thank our lucky stars, the fox wasn't out.   Otherwise, Dave, no roast chicken on Sunday.

Oh, I'm really sorry, Dad. Locking the chicken shed completely slipped my mind. I was listening to some music.  

Well, no problem, Dave. Nothing serious happened.  All's well that ends well. The fox stayed at home, the chickens had fun being free, and, we still have a chicken for our Sunday lunch.

By the way, Dave, what music were you listening to last night?

I was listening to Mahler's 5th symphony, mum. It's my favourite Mahler symphony.

I didn't know we had any Mahler in our CD collection.

You're right, dad. we haven't any Mahler.  I always listen to Mahler on Spotify. 

Spotify?  What's that, Dave.

It's online music, mum.  

Do they only have Mahler, Dave?

No, dad.  They have everything.  Even the jazz that you like, dad.

Sounds interesting, Dave.  

Would anyone like a cup of tea?

Yes, please, mum. 

And a nice slice of cherry cake, too?

Questions

Why did Ken have a bone to pick with Dave

Where were the chickens when Ken got up?

Put "all's well that ends well" into a sentence.

Why was Ken able to say - all well's that end`s well?

Why had locking the chicken shed completly slipped Dave's mind?

What was Dave doing the night before?

Was Dave listening to Beethoven's 8th symphony?

What is Dave's favourite Mahler symphony?

What is Spotify?

What have you got to thank your lucky stars for?

 

Chapter 38

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 38, Dave is helping his dad.  They are repairing Jeans car.

Vocabulary

repair -  When you repair something you mend something.   After repairing the clck it worked again.

to pass something - if you pass something, you give something.  Please pass me the sugar. Please give me the sugar,

in the nick of time - at the last moment, just in time.

dent - a dent is a slight hollow. - eine Delle ist eine leichte Vertiefung. 

And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, Chapter 38

I say mum, do you know where dad is?  

He's in the barn, Dave.  He's repairing my car. 

Thanks mum, I'll go and help him.   

Hello dad, do you need any help?  

Oh, you're  just in the nick of time, Dave. Could you pass me the big hammer, please?  I'm trying to knock this dent out. 

It looks pretty nasty, dad.  What happened?  

Mum drove into a tree. 

Oh no, not again.  This is the 5th time she's driven into a tree since Christmas.  And, it's only the middle of March. What did mum say?  

She said she didn't see the tree. 

I believe her, trees are difficult to see in the middle of the day.   

Well, at least she didn't say the tree was walking along the road. Any way, come on Dave, we've almost finished.  Just one or two more bangs and we're there, and, then it's tea time.  A nice strong cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

Questions

Where was Ken?   What was Ken repairing?  What did Ken ask Dave to pass him?  Please put "just in the nick of time" in a sentence.  Is Jean a good driver?  How many trees has Jean driven into since Christmas?  Are trees easy to see in the middle of the day? 

German Translation

Ich frage Mama, weißt du, wo Papa ist?  Er ist in der Scheune, Dave.  Er repariert mein Auto. Danke, Mama, ich gehe ihm helfen.   Hallo Papa, brauchst du Hilfe?  Oh, du kommst genau richtig, Dave. Kannst du mir bitte den großen Hammer reichen?  Ich versuche, diese Delle rauszuklopfen. Das sieht ziemlich übel aus, Dad.  Was ist denn passiert?  Mum ist gegen einen Baum gefahren. Oh nein, nicht schon wieder.  Das ist das 5. Mal, dass sie seit Weihnachten gegen einen Baum gefahren ist.  Und dabei ist es erst Mitte März. Was hat Mutti gesagt?  Sie hat gesagt, sie hat den Baum nicht gesehen. Ich glaube ihr, Bäume sind mitten am Tag schwer zu sehen.   Wenigstens hat sie nicht gesagt, dass der Baum die Straße entlanglief. Wie auch immer, komm schon Dave, wir sind fast fertig.  Nur noch ein oder zwei Knalle, dann ist es geschafft, und dann gibt es Tee. Eine schöne starke Tasse Tee und ein schönes Stück Kirschkuchen.

- - - - - -

Klangecke - Evergreens

Margret Jelen-Lornitzo -  Gedanken zum Thema Lesen - Zum Anhören hier klicken  - Barbara Mittere - The soft gentle tones of healing  . Click here to listen  Andrea Klar . A passion for weaving  Click here - Johanna Malfer - einen Chor leiten Klicken Sie hier

Chapter 37

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 37, Dave and Claire are trying to decide what Dave should buy for his mother for her birthtday.

Vocabulary

need - You need something you really must have.

Want - You want something you would like to have, but, it isn't so important.

The thought that counts - This means the thinking  of someone is worth more than the present, 

Over the moon, Someone who is over the moon is very, very happy about something.

Words you might like to check - mum's the word -

Marmalade is an English word for orange flavoured jam

+ + + + + + ++ + 

And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 37

I say, Claire, what can I give my mum for her birthday?  what can one give someone who's  already got everything they need?

That's a very good question, Dave.  I wish I knew. There must be something your mum needs.

Needing and wanting are two different things, Claire.

OK, so let's concentrate on something your mum would like, not on something she needs.

How about a new frying pan, Dave?

Definately not a good idea, Claire.  Last year, Dad gave mum a frying pan.  She nearly killed him with it.  

I can fully understand her, Dave.

Claire, What did you get your mum last year?

Let me think for a second or two, Dave.  I know, I can remember.  Last year, my dad and I gave mum a present between us.  It wasn't so expensive, but, it's the thought that counts.

Was she happy with it, Claire?

She was over the moon!   I couldn't belive it. 

If I tell you Dave, promise to keep it a secret. Mum's the word!

I promise, Claire.  Come on, spill the beans.

OK, You promise not tell?

I promise!

We gave mum a jar of marmalade.  And, it wasn't even expensive.  Dad bought it at the Church Christmas bazaar.

A great idea, Claire.  I'll get my mum a jar of marmalade as well.

And, Dave you don't even need to buy one. I have a jar in my cupboard. You csn take it with you when you go.

Thanks, Claire.

Questions -

Why can't Dave Decide what to give his mum for her birthday?

Would you give your wife a frying pan for her birthday?

How do you unerstand the word want?

Please put the  the word "need" in a sentences.

When would you use "spill the beans"?

Please put "mums the word"  in a sentence.

Who did Claire buy her mum's birthday present with?

Where  did Claire's dad buy the marmalade?

What flavour is marmalade?

Would you like a jar of marmalade for your birthday?

 

 

 

Chapter 36

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 36, Jean is knitting a pullover.

Vocabulary

knitting - to knit - to make a garment from wool with 2 knitting needles.

mum's the word  is an idiom. It means keep silent, or keep it a secret.

cheeky - showing a lack of respect in an amusing way.

suspicious - showing a careful distrust.

fancy - if you fancy something means you have a wish or desire for something.

+ + + + + + +

I say, mum, what are you doing?

I'm knitting a pullover for your father. 

For his birthday?

No, Dave, it's going to be his Christmas present.

But, mum, it's only March. 

I know, Dave. Pullovers take a long time to knit.  Especially secret ones. 

I understand.  I say, mum.  I do like the colours.  Dad's really going to look great wearing an orange and green pullover.  Why did you choose orange and green? 

Orange and green are Christmassy colours.  Orange for the oranges we eat, and green for the Christmas tree.

Original thnking, mum.  So, dad's going to look like a Christmas tree covered with oranges!

Don't be cheeky, Dave.  I'm sure dad's going to like it very much. 

Where is dad, mum?

He's gone to the village to meet your uncle Andy.  They've some business to discuss.  

That sounds very suspicious.  When will dad be home?

Any minute now, Dave.  I must pack up  this knitting and take it upstairs.  And, remember, Dave, Mum's the word. We don't want dad to find out.  It's our little secret.

Your secret's safe with me, mum.  And, by the way, mum,  what's for tea?

A nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.

That's great, mum. Just what I fancy.

Questions

What is Jean knitting?  Is Jean knitting a birthday or Christmas present?  Is green and orange a good combination?  For whom is the pullover?  Why is Jean keeping her knitting a secret?  How do understand "mum's the word"?  Why has Farmer Ken gone to the village?  What's for tea?  What do you fancy for lunch, tomorrow?  Can you knit?  Is Jean's secret safe with Dave?

Chapter 35

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of  everyday country life in England. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son, Dave.  In chapter 35, Farmer Ken and Dave are going to the tip.

Vocabulary

The tip - or rubbish tip - The place where people take their rubbish.  The things they want to get rid of. I think we should get rid of the old rusty bike.  

To get rid of something means to throw it away.

Holdall - a holdall is a large bag for travelling. Usually used for long weekends.

Words you might like to check -  jam jar - fireplace - holdall - I was only pulling your leg. 

+ + + + + +

Chapter 35 -The Bartons are having breakfast.  Farmer Ken has something to say.

I say, Jean, these eggs are the best soft boiled eggs in the world. You're a very talented cook. And, by the way, Jean, Dave and I are going to the tip after lunch.  Is there anything you want to get rid of?

Actually, there is one thing you could take.  My old holdall.  I've filled it ups with old jars. Getting rid of that old holdall and all those old jars would be a very great help.

And, Dave, is ther anything else you can think of that needs throwing away?

Actually dad, there is.  We could rid of that horrible old picture above the fireplace in the lounge.

We can't do that, Dave. That horrible old picture as you call it, is an original Turner.  It's worth a fortune.  

I know, dad.  I was only pulling your leg.

So, Ken and Dave, what are you talking to the tip?

We have a full trailer, mum. Those three rusty  bikes that have been in the barn for years, that old lawn mower that used to be gran's, that old fridge that's been broken for years, and that sack full of old wellington boots. 

That sounds more than enough.

It's enough for one load.  And, by the way, mum?  What's for lunch?

Another one of your favourite's, Dave. Toad in the Hole.

That's one my favourites as well.   So come on Dave, we've got lots to do before lunch.  The garden gate needs repairing and the yard needs sweeping.

So, see you at elevenses.

Bye mum.  Cheerio Jean.  By boys, see you at 11.

Questions  -   What did Farmer Ken say about Jean's eggs?  Where are Ken and Dave going after lunch?  How do you understand - to get rid of something?  What would you like to get rid of?  What does Jean want Ken and Dave to take to the tip?  What are Ken and Dave taking to the tip?  What is Jean cooking for lunch?  What is a holdall?  What have Dave and Ken got to do before lunch?  What time are elevenses? 

                                                             The Reichsbrücke in Vienna

Talk49 YouTube Channel  - Videos - Interviews, stories, Warmups,  The Farm at Lane's End, and more.  German and English + + Interviews, Geschichten, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, und mehr.  Deutsch und Englisch

Chapter 34

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of  everyday country life in England. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son, Dave.  In chapter 34, Dave needs some money.

Vocabulary

To lend - You lend something to someone.  Can you lend me your car, please?  

To borrow - You borrow something from someone.  Can I borrow your car, please?

A tall order - A tall order is an unreasonable request.  Wanting me to help him on Christmas day was a very tall order.

That's the way the cookie crumbles is something one must accept. I'm sad, my gold fish has died, but, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

To pull someone's leg means to play a trick on them.

On the strength of something means you believe them because of  what they said.

Words you might like  to check -  To gamble - By the way - upset - 

Chapter 34

Farmer Ken and Dave are enjoying a well earned whisky.

I say, Dad, could you lend me ten thousand quid, please?

Ten thousand pounds, Dave. That's a bit of a tall order. Why do you want to borrow so much money?

It's Claire, Dad.  She wants to go on holiday.  She wants to go to Las Vegas.  She wants to gambling.  

You mean, Claire wants to borrow ten thousand pounds so she can go gambling!  Why can't she use her own money?

Claire says it's better to lose your money than hers.

Well, Dave, you can tell Claire to think again.  There's no way I'm going to give you money to throw away. And, by the way, Gambling's a very stupid habbit.

But, Dad, Claire will be upset.  How am I going to tell her you won't lend us the money?

Just tell her there's no way I'm going to lend you the money. And, if she's upset, just tell her that that's the way the cookie crumbles.

Actually, Dad, I was only pulling your leg.  I really need the money for a new tractor.  The old one keeps breaking down.  It's become too expensive to keep.

Well, Dave, on the strength of that, I'll give you twenty thousand pounds.  Get the best that you can.

Thanks, Dad.  I knew you'd understand.  Shall I pour another whisky?

Dave, that's a very silly question!

Cheers Dave, Cheers Dad.

Questions

Dave was pulling his father's leg. How much did he want to borrow from his father?

Why did Dave want to borrow so much money?

What story did Dave tell his father about Claire? 

What is Las Vegas famous for?

How do you understand "I was only pulling your leg"?

Explain - Can I lend you some money.

Tell us when you would say - can I borrow ten Euros, please.

What is a tall order?

What do you do when you pull someone's leg?

Please explain "on the strength of that" I will give you the money,

Talk49 YouTube Channel  - Videos - Interviews, stories, Warmups,  The Farm at Lane's End, and more.  German and English + + Interviews, Geschichten, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, und mehr.  Deutsch und Englisch 

+ + + + +

Listen for Fun - In German - Niki Stanek

 

Chapter 33

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. The Bartons. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 33, Dave is down in the dumbs.

Vocabulary Down in the dumps - If you are down in the dumps, you are a little unhappy or even a little depressed. I've got too much on my plate means I have very much to do. Crossed one's mind. If something has already crossed one's mind - means that one has already thought about it. She would rather do this than that - means she would prefer this and not that. Prefer = rather. To cope means to manage. I can cope without you! On the subject of something means something related or connected to that we are presently talking about. And now Chapter 33 I say, Dave, you're very quiet this evening. Is everything all right. Oh, I'm Ok, mum. Just a little down in the dumps, that's all. Oh, what's wrong, Dave? Claire's decided it's not such a good idea to go to Whitby on Saturday. She says she's got too much to do. She's got too much on her plate. She'd rather stay at home and finish getting ready for her exhibition. When is Claire's exhition, Dave? It's next week, mum and dad. And, to be honest, Claire really has a lot going on at the moment. She's very, very busy. Can't you go round and help her, Dave? That's already crossed my mind, mum and dad. But, Claire says she can cope much better without me. What has Claire got to do, Dave? Well, it doesn`t sound much. She's got 3 pictures to finish, and 7 pictures to frame. And, to be honest, there's really nothing I can do to help. But, Dave, there is one thing you can do to help. You can give her one of my cherry cakes. I'll bake one tomorrow. A brilliant idea, mum. She'd really appreciate it. You're great, mum! And, mum, while we're on the subject, what's for sweet? Your favourite. Apple crumble and custard. And, of course, whipped cream as well. That's fantasti!c, mum. I'm feeling better already. And, to finish with, a glass of whisky. Not just one glass dad, 2 or 3 would be great. That's my boy. A chip off the old block. Cheers everyone, cheers! Questions - Why is Dave down in the dumps? - What does - I've too much on my plate mean? why would Claire rather stay at home? What jobs must Claire do? - Does Claire want Dave to help her? - When is Claire's exhibition? - What does Jean want to make for Claire? - How do you understand the following - I can't cope without you? Why is Dave a chip off the old block? - How do you understand - that's already crossed my mind? What is apple crumble? Would you rather have cheese cake or cherry cake?

Chapter 32

The Farm at Lane's End -  Chapter 32

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. The Bartons.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 32, Ken and Jean are talking about uncle Ron. 

Vocabulary 

A penny for your thoughts - A penny for your thoughts means please tell me what you are thinking.

Warm hearted means kind and loving.  He was such a warm hearted man.

For the life of me - For the life of me is a phrase that means however hard I try.  However hard I try, I can't remember his name. For the life of me, I can't remember his name.

A chip off the old block means being the same - usually in character - as one's father. This phrase  normally speaks about boys.  Girls are "just like their mothers". 

Words you might like to check - loft - keen -

+ + + + + +

And now to our story - The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 32

A penny for your thoughts, Ken!

Oh, hello Jean, I didn't hear you come in.

I'm not surprised, Ken.  You were far away. Lost in your thoughts.

I was thinking about my old uncle Ron.  He was such a warm hearted man.  Always doing good for others.  He was such a nice  person. 

Jean has a question

Didn't your uncle Ron and aunty Sheila help your mum at one of your birthday parties?

You've got a very good memory, Jean.

Was it your ninth or tenth birthday, Ken?

For the life of me, I can't remember, Jean.

I bet you can't remember the present  your uncle Ron and aunty Sheila gave you!

You're wrong, Jean.  I remember  it well.  They gave me a steam engine for my model railway.  And, further more, I still have it. The engine they gave me is in a box in the loft. And, another thing, Jean.  I can still remeber the present you gave me.

I don't believe you!  

You gave me a book about postage stamps.  Stamp collecting was one of my hobbies at the time. I used to be a very keen collector. Oh, and by the way, Jean, how did you know I collected stamps?

Your cousin Billy told me.  Billy and I used to sit next to each other at primary school.  I liked him very much.

You're right, Jean.  Billy was very nice, He was not only a very kind boy. he was a great friend as well. He was just like his dad.  A chip off the old block.   And  Jean,  You can do something that aunty Sheila could do, too. Your cherry cakes are fantastic, 

Thanks, Ken. That's nice of you.    Shall we have a   cup of tea?

That's a good idea, Jean. There's nothing nicer than a nice cup of tea.  I'll put on the kettle immediately.

Questions

Why didn't Ken hear Jean coming in?   Who was Ken thinking about?  How would you describe uncle Ron?  How do you understand "for the life of me"  What did uncle Ron and aunty Sheila give Ken for his birthday?  Why were uncle Ron and aunty Sheila at Ken's birthday party?  How did Jean know that Ken collected stamps?  How do you understand the meaning of "a chip off the old block?"  Why was Billy just like his father?  What has Jean in common with aunty Sheila?  How do you understand "a penny for your thoughts?"  

 

 

Chapter 31

 The Farm at Lane's End -  Chapter 31

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 31, Ken, Jean, and Dave are talking about a trip to the coast.

Vocabulary

Used to - Used to is a phrase that tells of something one did, but no more.  I used to go to school in London.  We used to go to Whitby every summer.

High tide  is when the sea is at its highest.

Low tide is when the sea is at its lowest.

To join in - To join in with something means to take part in something.  I joined in with the game.

Words you might like to check -  Day out, excursion, day trip, trip, outing. /  Sea side, coast.

+ + + + ++ 

And, now to our story.  The Farm at Lane's End. Chapter 31.  The Bartons are planning an excursion to the sea side.

Dave starts - Mum and dad, we haven't been to the coast for a very long time.  How about a trip to the sea side?

Farmer Ken thinks Dave's idea is good. -  A good idea, Dave.  Just like old times.  When you were little, we often used to go to the coast.  

Jean joins in -  I remember, we often used to go to Whitby. We really enjoyed it there.  The beach was wonderful.  It streched for miles and miles when the tide was out, and at high tide when the sea was in, the beach was completely covered. High tide and low tide.  I remeber them well.

Ken has something to say - And, when the tide was out, everyone did what they wanted.  Everything from taking long walks to riding their horses.

Jean has something else to say - You're right Ken.  And, when the tide was in, we always used to go to that nice little restaurant at the top of the hill for fish and chips.  I can still taste it when I close my eyes.  The best fish and chips in the world.

Dave has become very enthusiastic - Mum and Dad, we really must go to Whitby again. As dad said, just like old times. Won't it be fun.  And, I'm sure, Claire would love to come, too.

Ken has one more thing to say - And, by the way, we could take the train.  The steam train that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The N.Y.M.R   The North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The Bartons are happy.  Jean puts on the kettle for a nice cup of tea.

Questions - Where are the Bartons going?   Why do the Bartons want to go to Whitby? Please explain "we used to go to Whitby when you were little".   Where did you use to go to school?  What did Jean say about the beach?    How do you understand low tide?  How do you understand high tide?  Where did the Bartons use to go for something to eat?  Which meal did they choose?  What did Ken suggest at the end of the story?  What is speacial about the N.Y.M.R?  How do you understand the phrase, and by the way? 

Chapter 30

 

The Farm at Lane's End -  Chapter 30

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In chapter 30, Jean is getting ready to go out.

Vocabulary -

To wrap up means to put on very warm clothes.

Brass monkey weather is a coloquial expression that means extremely cold weather.

Treacherous means conditions that hide hidden dangers.

It's bound to be means something that is certain.

Words you might need to check - mittens, scarf, wooly hat, underfoot.

 And, now to our story.  The Farm at Lane's End.  Chapter 30

Jean is getting ready to go out.  She's going to the chemist's in the village. Ken is giving her some advice.

You'll need to wrap up, Jean.  It's very, very cold outside.  You'll definately need your thick wooly hat to keep your ears covered  and your mittens to keep your hands warm.

Just then, Dave comes in.  He's been  feeding the pigs.

I say, mum and dad, it's freezing outside. I can hardly feel my fingers.  It's brass monkey weather. 

Jean asks Dave about the conditions outside. 

Dave, is it slippery underfoot?  Is it icy?  

It's very, very icy mum.  If I were you, I would wear the warm winter boots that dad gave you for Christmas.  There's black ice everywhere. The last thing we want is you breaking a leg.  We'd have to do the cooking and cleaning ourselves.    That'd be terrible.

I promise to be careful, boys.  I say, has anyone seen my car keys?  I can't find them anywhere.  I can't remember where I put them. 

If I were you, Jean, I'd take the Jeep.  The roads are bound to be treacherous. As Dave said, there's black ice everywhere.

How long will you be gone, mum?

Not very long, Dave.  I'm only going to the chemist's. I'll be back before lunch. 

Drive safely, mum. See you later.

Bye Dave, bye Ken.

Questions - Please describe the weather.  Which month is it?  Is it summer or autumn?  Is it brass kangeroo weather?  Why should Jean wrap up well?  Did Ken advise Jean to wear gloves or mittens?  What did Dave say about the conditions?  Why did Ken suggest that Jean takes the Jeep?  How do you understand the word treacherous?  How do you understand the phrase "it's bound to be"?   Why is black ice treacherous?  Why did Jean go to the village?